Ruling on Geographical Pay Disparity in MEC Employment Case

The matter Mulaudzi and Another v MEC was heard in the Labour Court on October 6, 2026. The applicants, who had been employed by MEC since 1996 and 1987 respectively, contended that they faced unfair discrimination due to their lower remuneration. The applicants argued that the difference in pay, which was comparable to that of an employee in Johannesburg, was attributable to their geographical location.

The applicants successfully argued that the geographical distinction in remuneration constituted unfair discrimination under the Employment Equity Act of 1998. The arbitrator found in favor of the applicants, concluding that geographical location was treated as an arbitrary ground.